A junior hacksaw is vital for cutting metal and plastic, and for
starting drill holes you need a bradawl. A hand drill is a must and you
can buy a bit to fit according to the screw sizes you intend using. Buy
two screwdrivers to cover the most common screw sizes and make sure the
handles have a good grip. A No.2 Phillips screwdriver is also essential,
and then an electric screwdriver with an insulated handle and a mains
tester.

You really need two hammers. One should be 450-560g with a steel
shaft and a claw head and the other should have a Warrington head and a
wooden handle.

Pliers should not be too stiff, and be insulated for any electrical
work. If you are planning plumbing jobs buy two adjustable spanners,
especially if you are using compression joints. The head should be 200mm
to ensure the spanner is large enough for most plumbing jobs.

Bevel-edged chisels should range in size from six to 25mms, and if
you don't have a wooden mallet make sure the chisels have plastic
handles that can be used with a hammer. They should have protective
plastic caps for the blades.

If you are planning lots of underfloor work a bolster chisel is
essential, and a Stanley knife is a useful tool.

You need a sanding block to wrap sandpaper around and, of course, a
ladder. Choose one that is at least two metres high, but ensure you can
easily reach your highest ceiling. Ideally it should be aluminum with an
open leg lock and a paint tray, and come with non-slip feet and strong
struts.

You'll need a selection of screws and nails, various grades of
sandpaper, electrical and waterproof tape, fuses in various sizes, a
pencil, a torch, a plumbline and protective goggles.

If you intend doing a lot of DIY, a portable workbench might be
worth investing in.

For further advice, Do It All have a free guide called Taking Care
of Tools available in-store.

IT'S A FACT...

Smallrooms with low ceilings can be made to feel more spacious by
decorating in pale colours and using scaled down furniture.

IT'S A FACT...

A window at the narrow end of a room can be made to look wider by
hanging the curtains to sill level only and using a wide rail.

COPYRIGHT 1997 MGN LTD
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.